Allergies

How to prevent Pine Nut Allergy?

Pine nut, which is obtained from the pine tree, is used in salads, chocolates, sauces and other food products. Pine nut can cause an allergy, resulting in mild to severe allergic reaction. Pine nut allergy is categorized under tree nut allergy. Hence, people allergic to pine nut might also be allergic to other tree nuts such as brazil nut, almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews.

Symptoms of Pine Nut Allergy:

Skin reactions such as itchiness, hives, rashes, redness

Watery eyes, runny nose

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps

Breathlessness, dizziness, low blood pressure. These are the symptoms of anaphylaxis – which is a severe allergic reaction

Individuals experiencing these symptoms should be immediately given epinephrine to prevent further complication

How to Prevent Pine nut Allergy?

Here are few tips to prevent an allergy to pine nut:

Avoid pine nut in all forms. It is used in bread, chocolates, salads, sauces and one should be careful to avoid pine nut containing foods

Avoid pine nut oil and the products made from it

Read the labels while shopping and avoid products containing pine nut

Inquire about the ingredients while eating out

Avoid tree nuts and peanuts as people with pine nut allergy may also be allergic to these

Testing and Treatment:

Skin test and blood test can be done to check for pine nut allergy. If an allergy is confirmed, your allergist can prescribe antihistamines and corticosteroids to treat the allergic reaction. Also, individuals allergic to pine nuts should always carry a self-injectable epinephrine to prevent the anaphylactic reaction.